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Citizenship
A foreigner acquires Ukrainian citizenship mainly through naturalization: after several years of residence on a permit, language knowledge, lawful income and passing an exam. Some grounds (marriage, origin, outstanding merit) have simplified conditions.
Three stages of legal status in Ukraine — compared by key rights.
Temporary permit, PRP or citizenship: what to choose
Validity
- Temporary permit
- 1-2 years, by ground
- Permanent (PRP)
- 10 years, then exchange
- Citizenship
- indefinite
Right to work
- Temporary permit
- permit required (exemptions exist)
- Permanent (PRP)
- no permit needed
- Citizenship
- no restrictions
Number of entries
- Temporary permit
- unlimited
- Permanent (PRP)
- unlimited
- Citizenship
- unlimited
Typical ground
- Temporary permit
- work, study, marriage
- Permanent (PRP)
- immigration permit: quota, $100k or family
- Citizenship
- naturalization 5 yrs, origin or marriage
Living abroad
- Temporary permit
- limited
- Permanent (PRP)
- free
- Citizenship
- free
Next step
- Temporary permit
- move to PRP
- Permanent (PRP)
- apply for citizenship
- Citizenship
- —
| Criterion | Temporary permit | Permanent (PRP) | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1-2 years, by ground | 10 years, then exchange | indefinite |
| Right to work | permit required (exemptions exist) | no permit needed | no restrictions |
| Number of entries | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Typical ground | work, study, marriage | immigration permit: quota, $100k or family | naturalization 5 yrs, origin or marriage |
| Living abroad | limited | free | free |
| Next step | move to PRP | apply for citizenship | — |
Exact state fees and timelines depend on the ground — check the service page or ask a lawyer. Figures are general; status is determined individually.
Other topics
Residence permit, done for you
From choosing the legal ground to the issued card: fixed price, case status online.